Blow Molded Plastics Market Expected to Reach $108.5 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Blow Molded Plastics Market," The blow molded plastics market was valued at $72.6 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $108.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2032.

Blow molding is a manufacturing process that uses air blown into a mold cavity to create a hollow component. It is commonly used to make parts for the construction, industrial, automotive, medical, and packaging sectors, among others. It works in a similar way to standard plastic injection molding, using plastic pellets that are softened and pushed into the mold cavity to form the required shape. The difference is the addition of compressed air that forces the plastic outwards and produces the hollowed-out effect.

The blow molding process begins as softened plastic polymer pellets are heated and formed into a tubular shape. Then, a hole is made in one end of the tube to allow compressed air to pass into the plastic material. Once it is softened and the hole is added, it passes into a specially designed mold and is clamped into place. This allows the plastic to remain absolutely still as compressed air is blown inside, pushing the sides outwards and creating the hollow, mold part. After this, the part is cooled and solidified before being ejected from the mold and moved to quality control and shipping out.

The blow molding process produces thin-walled, hollow plastic containers that can be used for a wide variety of applications. Everyday products, such as storage containers, milk bottles, soft drinks bottles, shampoo and liquid soap dispensers, toys and watering cans can all be manufactured using this versatile process. Blow molding can also be used to join hollow plastic components together to create more complex products such as drums, tubs, ducting, and packaging.

The consumer goods sector, including household products, toys, and recreational items, relies heavily on blow-molded plastics for manufacturing. Blow-molded plastics offer versatility, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility, making them suitable for a wide range of consumer products. Blow-molded plastics find applications in various industrial sectors, such as construction, agriculture, and chemical processing. They are used for manufacturing tanks, containers, drums, pipes, and other industrial equipment. The demand for blow-molded plastics in these sectors is driven by factors like durability, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

The automotive industry has experienced increased demand for blow-molded plastics in recent years. This growth in demand may be attributed to various factors, including the need for lightweight materials, enhanced performance, improved aesthetics, and environmental considerations.

One of the primary drivers of the increased demand for blow-molded plastics in the automotive industry is the focus on reducing the weight of vehicles. Automakers are continuously striving to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency and meet stringent emission regulations. Blow-molded plastics offer a lightweight alternative to metal components, allowing for significant weight savings while maintaining structural integrity and performance.

Blow-molded plastics provide design flexibility, enabling the production of complex and intricate shapes that are difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This flexibility allows for the integration of multiple components into a single piece, reducing assembly time and cost. Components such as air ducts, intake manifolds, fluid reservoirs, and interior trim panels can be efficiently manufactured using blow-molded plastics.

Blow-molded plastics offer cost advantages over traditional manufacturing processes. The production process is highly efficient, enabling mass production with reduced cycle times and lower tooling costs. Additionally, the lightweight nature of blow-molded plastic components contributes to fuel savings throughout the vehicle's lifespan. Blow-molded plastics can be engineered to provide enhanced safety features in automotive applications. They offer excellent impact resistance and energy absorption capabilities, contributing to improved crashworthiness. Components such as bumpers, door panels, and instrument panels manufactured with blow-molded plastics can help enhance occupant safety during a collision.

The automotive industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint. Blow-molded plastics offer recyclability and the potential for incorporating recycled materials, contributing to the circular economy. Additionally, the lightweight nature of blow-molded plastic components helps reduce vehicle emissions, contributing to overall environmental sustainability.

Government regulations and policies related to the use and disposal of plastics can impact the demand for blow-molded plastics. Many countries have implemented stricter regulations on single-use plastics, which can restrict their usage and drive the development and adoption of alternative packaging solutions. Regulatory measures such as bans on certain types of plastics, taxes or levies on plastic products, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiatives can influence the demand for blow-molded plastics.

Blow molding allows for design flexibility, enabling manufacturers to create unique and customized products. This is particularly valuable in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and packaging, where brands are seeking distinctive shapes, sizes, and features. By leveraging the capabilities of blow molding technology, companies can cater to specific customer needs and differentiate themselves in the market.

The healthcare industry offers significant opportunities for blow-molded plastics. The demand for medical devices, laboratory equipment, and pharmaceutical packaging continues to grow. As the industry focuses on infection control, drug delivery systems, and patient safety, blow-molded plastics can provide solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the healthcare sector.

The global blow-molded plastics market is segmented into types, materials, end-use industry, and regions. On the basis of type, the market is classified into injection blow molding, extrusion blow molding, and others. By materials, the market is segmented into polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and others. As per the end-use industry, it is categorized into medical, packaging, building & construction, automotive & transportation, electrical & electronics, and others. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

The major players operating in the global blow molded plastics market include Dow, Inpress, Plastic Forming Company, Inc., Garrtech Inc., Creative Blow Mold Tooling, Custom-Pak, Inc., APEX Plastics, Gemini Group, Comar, and DuPont.

Key Findings Of The Study:

• On the basis of type, the extrusion blow molding segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7%, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period.
• On the basis of materials, the polyethylene segment has garnered one-third of the market share in 2022.
• On the basis of the end-use industry, the packaging industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2%, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period.
• On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific garnered a share of more than two-fifths in 2022 in terms of revenue.